Start here
Samba Lessons: Where to Start
If you're new to Samba, or you know a few figures and want a clear path, this page is for you. I've put my Samba lessons in a simple learning order: timing and basics first, then the full routine, then Volta technique, and finally two advanced demonstrations. Work through them in order, and come back to any step whenever you need it.
Step 1 · Timing
How to Count Samba Rhythm and Build Exam Confidence
Samba has two beats a bar, and its eight rhythms fall into three groups: 1-a-2 bounce rhythms, 1-2-3 timing and slow-quick-quick rhythms.
Watch the lesson
Step 2 · Basics
Samba at Home: Walks, Bota Fogos, Voltas and Whisks
A fun Samba combination you can practise at home, with Samba Walks, Bota Fogos, Spot Voltas and Whisks, plus my two simple tips: remember to count, and have fun.
Watch the lesson
Step 3 · The routine
Samba Basic and Advanced Routine with Voltas
Two routines to follow along with: a basic one built from Reverse Basics, Whisks, Voltas, Samba Locks and Criss Cross Bota Fogos, then an advanced one that adds figures such as Side Samba and Developed Whisks.
Watch the lesson
Step 4 · Technique
How to Dance Samba Voltas: Travelling, Circular and Spot
The three main groups of Samba Voltas, built in layers: a tight Latin cross with your feet on two train tracks, then the hip action, then rib cage motion.
Watch the lesson
Step 5 · Advanced demonstration
Advanced Samba Demonstration
An advanced Samba routine danced to music with my student Maddi, the one she uses for her Gold Star medals and Pro-Am, so you can see how advanced figures flow together.
Watch the demonstration
Step 6 · Advanced practice
Advanced Samba Routine: Solo Practice Session
I dance a piece of advanced choreography solo, then experiment with different ways to dance it while keeping the main base count, one form of practice we use as professional dancers.
Watch the practice sessionMore dances
Waltz · Slow Foxtrot · Tango · Viennese Waltz · Quickstep · Cha Cha Cha · Rumba · Paso Doble · Jive · New Vogue · Practice · Mindset
Keep learning with the rest of my Latin lessons.
Explore all Latin lessons